As an entrepreneur I find that my time is very limited, especially since my many passions have turned into businesses or some sort of role with my local industry associations and leaders.

I used to be a workaholic, where everything was always about work, day and night. I was going into the office on the weekends with every thought around work. Now with a few years to create a new me by re-branding my company as well as myself, even starting a couple new businesses, I’ve learned the best thing for my success is working business into my life instead of the other way around.

It feels that I work less now running a company then I did when I worked for one. Everyone who knows me will likely disagree because I do work a lot, but I LIVE in between work. I might work at night but that is because I either have some creative energy or I took a few hours off on a Tuesday afternoon to grocery shop since it is not as busy and I can take my time shopping. Enjoying life. Re-energizing the body and spirit for success.

Taking advantage of time is so simplistic yet also something us North American’s rarely do. We tend to feel ‘there is not enough time in the day’ sure there will never be enough if you are working all the time.

Ask yourself this:

How much time do I spend on business items I could have spent less on?

OR

Could I have done [blank] (like a proposal for instance) in less time?

Here is how you can do both better:

A: Simplify your drafts of items and when you create them, in terms of specifying details and developing project.

Example: Selling a New Opportunity with a client –YOU- Detail items ONCE and in point form IN an email NOT in a document. Send the details to your client requesting their edit and approval.

*You tend to be less wordy in an email then in a document this will help you keep things simple.

B: In between the time it takes for your client to get back to you with approval NOTHING more on this opportunity except track it with a PO or something.

C: Combine your proposal into a contract they sign, and until they do again do NOTHING but maybe organize your team.

I think you are getting the idea…

I tend to do ONE draft, walk away and do something else for someone else after. You have no idea how much time this actually saves. I can spec out project details with flowchart, SEO driven marketing development included in just a few hours depending on the project. Why do this more then once?

Remember I do have years of experience to create expertise in communication development for RFP, contracts, specification documents etc for both technical development and for client interpretation.  Having an object-oriented background and a large network of friends who are colleagues in a variety of roles, keeps me on top of my game, so you likely won’t be able to jump out of the gates and be an expert that ONLY comes with time. Just make time your friend and live a little!